Retire in Style with Lolita

The pride and joy of my life. A Grandmother's Prayer Oh Lord, I do not ask for much, Eternal beauty, or youth, or such. Just give me a little hand to hold, And I'll forget that I'm growing old. I do not ask for cloudless skies, A life that's free from tears and sighs. Just give me a little face to kiss, And anxious moments will turn to bliss. For what is there, really, that means so much As little hands that reach and touch, As little eyes that search and see Only the best in fragile me? So let me grow more loving and wise By looking at life through their wide eyes. For through these little ones, you have given This grateful grandmother a glimpse of Heaven. (Author: Barbara Burrows)

February is love and romance awareness month. And the special day of love and romance is of course February 14th. Valentine’s Day. Love and romance played a major part in my life experiences. I learned to care, to give, to receive, to grow, to mature, and become who I am today. There were moments of joy and laughter. And there were tears and heart break. I have learned to accept, to forgive and move on. No grudges, no regrets. There are so many greetings and quotes and poems on this subject. My favourite is from Alfred Tennyson: “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. Memories of love and romance will keep me warm in the Autumn and Winter of my life. Love and blessings on Valentine's Day and always. From Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem In Memoriam:27, 1850: I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.

I came across this poem many years ago. I was amused and shared it with several friends. Recently I was cruising the web when I came across it again and found out who the author is. What Every Woman Should Have By Pamela Redmond Satran and was published in Glamour, May 1997 • One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to (even if you wouldn't) and one who reminds you of how far you've come. • Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want or need to. • Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. • A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying. • A youth you're content to move beyond. • A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age. • A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra. • One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. • A good piece of furniture not ...

During the past eight years I have traveled three times to China. My first trip was in 2004 with a group of Tai Chi’ers . Seventeen days Glimpses of China tour. In 2010 I met with friends in Hongkong and Guangzhuo. It was a whirlwind visit and I wish to return someday. Last year I went back for the third time and joined the physically challenging of all my trips to China : The Silk Road Tour. I cannot remember when my curiosity and fascination with China started. I enjoyed each trip. The Tour Guides and drivers were all knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I learned more about their culture, marveled at the scenery and of course the shopping ! And speaking of shopping, I am very good now with negotiating prices. Even my Chinese friends would come to me and ask for help for negotiating prices with merchants. I don’t even speak Chinese! With gentle persuasion and my own calculator in hand, I usually ask the merchants to give me a better price than Canada. I shop regularl...

"Autumn of My Life" refers to the last portion of one's life. It is a metaphor which likens one's life to the season when the time for planting, growing, and flowering is over, when the temperatures begin to drop, and the days become shorter. The leaves on the trees drop, and the natural world edges toward dormancy. It is the time when one's death is closer than one's birth. (from Answers.com) Considering that the life expectancy of females in Canada is eighty four (or longer :):):), I am now at the doorstep of the autumn of my life. Today is my 69th birthday. We have been hearing and reading about this "phenomenon" that 60 is the new 40. Hey, that makes me 49 ! And that is fine by me. I sure feel good at 49 ! Men and women in their 70s and 80s race in almost every marathon. Seniors teach and take classes, travel, and live fuller lives than ever before. Seniors are jogging and blogging. I welcome the autumn years with grace and gratitude. ...

In May, 2011, I joined the Silk Road tour in China. In Xian, after visiting the Terracotta warriors museum, we visited a tea house. We sampled several teas. I learned a little bit more about varieties of tea and the health benefits that the Chinese attribute to each kind of tea. I have no medical information to verify claims. I am more interested in the art or ritual of making and serving tea. I like the taste of several varieties and I love teaware from China, Japan, Britain, etc. Here is one of my favourite tea. Pu erh and rose bud tea. Pu-erh tea is different from all the other tea types from growing conditions of the region, kind of tea leaves used, and even the fermentation process. Many pay close attention to the special health interest in pu-erh tea.It helps with digestion, especially with fatty and oily food. This is perhaps the main reason many Chinese restaurants offer pu-erh tea at dim sum and banquets. Guangzhuo is the biggest tea trading centre in China. I was t...

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown I am not a connoisseur of tea. I just like tea. I have favourites but I also like trying different varieties of tea. I love tea pots and tea cups. I am just fascinated with them. They don’t just sit on display. They are busy keeping me company! Sharing a cup of tea is a time when we relax. Many a confidence has been shared over tea. Many a friend has been consoled. Many a triumph - minor or major, has been celebrated over a cup of tea. This free picture slideshow generated with Smilebox

My Bucket List I stopped making New Resolutions in 2008 after seeing the movie “The Bucket List”.    Instead of Resolutions I started my own “Bucket List”. A list of goals to accomplish, dreams to fulfill before I die. Having a bucket list does not mean I am racing against time. Death is not the end of life. I believe there is more after our physical presence in this earth is over. My bucket list is a reminder to make the most of my life.   To make my existence meaningful for myself and to others. Life is a gift. It should be cherished not squandered. I don’t watch too many movies but from the few that I like there are two favourites. The Bucket List and Shawshank Redemption. My favourite quote from the comedy-drama The Bucket List.   “You know, the ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death. When their souls got to the entrance to heaven, the guards asked two questions. Their answers determined whether they were able to enter or not. ‘Have you found jo...

The year is wrapping up and so I am recalling, reminiscing about my first year of retirement. Special Interests In February I attended an introductory class on scrapbooking. Scrapbooking was interesting but I realized it is not for me at this time anyway. Instead I learned the basics of card making. Since then I have made several birthday, Easter, and Christmas cards. I enjoy putting together shapes, colors and embellishments to create personalized cards. The recipients are usually surprised and impressed with my amateur creations. In this age of e-greeting cards, the real thing is still appreciated. In March I joined the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society. I found two classes that are of special interest to me: Tai Chi and Hawaiian Dancing. Members of both groups are physically active and lively.I may never be as graceful as this young Tai Chi'er but I am pleased I am still able to do the right moves ! The Happy Hula Mamas Last summer I did some container gardening.  Love to...

The beauty of Christmas reminds us of the precious things in life.  Our family, our friends, and our faith. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

I came to Canada in 1971 and has never returned in time for Christmas. Circumstances and financial resources did not allow me to spend the Christmas holidays in the land of my birth. Sadly, now that I have time and finances,  I have lost the interest to visit at Christmas time. My brother, the only sibling left in the Philippines passed away last year in May.  What would Christmas homecoming be without him. After forty Christmases, the nostalgia of Christmas as I remember it during my younger days remain. Despite differences in traditions and celebrations, the message remains the same. Peace, love, and joy. A time to remember and be thankful for the precious things in life. Our family. our friends, and our faith.

This month I am celebrating my first full year of retirement from gainful employment.  Hello Pension ! With some planning, some luck, and a continued zest for life, the first year of retirement went well. We cannot stop the aging process, might as well enjoy it !